The end game on the state budget drew closer late Friday, as Senate Budget Chairman J.D. Alexander and House Appropriations Chairwoman Denise Grimsley met after a day of deal-making on the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The brief meeting between Alexander and Grimsley highlighted the progress made on a variety of issues throughout the day, though some -- such as plan to graft a growth-management overhaul onto a conforming bill --- proved more controversial than others, like an agreement on how to reduce retirement costs for state employees.

NO SENATE SESSION SATURDAY
Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Friday that the Senate wont meet again until Monday, erasing fears that the Senate would hold an unusual Saturday session. Haridopolos earlier in the week said he planned to have the chamber meet on Saturday, but at the close of Fridays session told senators to return to the floor Monday. Legislative leaders will meet over the weekend as they try to resolve budget discrepancies between the Senate and House. The final agreed-on budget must be on desks midweek to finish the session as scheduled next Friday.